Lake Erie Chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers Establishes PHWFF Program
September 1, 2007
The day began September 1st with a brilliant blue sky and the promise of a wonderful day ahead for participants in the launch of Project Healing Waters in Western New York.
Navy Captain retired Ed Nicholson and Army Captain Evind Forseth joined us along with 20 warriors from the Veterans administration health care facility in Batavia New York. The event was held at the home of George Johnson and Jean Pauley whose pond was loaded with cooperative largemouth bass. After some casting instruction it was off to the pond to cast for the very cooperative bass.
It wasn't long before the first soldier landed a nice fish. If a large grin could pay out a cash award, this one was worth millions! Then the rest of the group started taking fish and at least two were trophy sized bass.
Army Staff Sgt. Jamie Hart who hales from Alabama and never held a fly rod in his hand announced he just may turn in his traditional rod and reels and get a fly rod!
We were joined by five woman warriors who joined us at the fly tying table and tied a brilliant pink bugger type fly and I overheard the gals say "let’s try it on the pond" and I wondered will this bright pink fly work? You guessed it: it hooked a fish right away!
One of the women told a VA staffer as they arrived that she would be in a corner someplace reading a book, obviously thinking this fly fishing stuff doesn't sound like my cup of tea. Minutes into the program she told the staffer "the heck with the book this is too much fun"!
The healing qualities of the Project Healing Waters program were very visible as Captain Forseth shared his story of how the project brought him from a dark place into the light. The Lake Erie Chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers sponsored the event and our members look forward to the long term commitment and the building of relationships that will help in the healing process.
Tight lines,
Ray Markiewicz, President
Lake Erie Chapter Federation of Fly Fishers
